Memory Of Little Girl's Cancer Battle Comes To Lake Elsinore

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Peter Halper has set aside four months to run 3,076 miles in an effort to crush childhood cancer, and Lake Elsinore has been part of his route.

Halper kicked off his journey Monday in Dana Point, and has followed state Route 74 through Lake Elsinore and Perris. He plans to make his way through the San Gorgonio Pass Area Wednesday, where he'll mark mile 71 in the city of Beaumont. He'll continue into Banning, down into Cabazon, and then a bit north where he'll traverse the high desert and into Arizona.

The Wisconsin resident plans to continue his eastward run all the way to Avalon, New Jersey, which he expects to reach by mid November.

Along the way he's raising money for Emery's Memory Foundation, a Missouri-based nonprofit that funds Neuroblastoma research and supports families in treatment.

Dubbed Emery's Thunder Run, Halper's journey is extremely personal. He is the great uncle of Emery Smith, who died at age 3 from Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer with a low survival rate. Emery's Memory Foundation was named in her honor.

"There are 19 very special reasons why I am running across the country," Halper said. "The run is broken into 19 segments and every segment is dedicated in support of a child with Neuroblastoma.

"Running has become my whisper to them and their parents," he continued. "My way of saying 'I see you' and I am doing all that I can to help."

Emery's Memory Foundation is headed by the little girl's family members. Emery's mom, Jenna Smith, who launched the organization, and both of Emery's grandmothers, Serena Sackrider and Missy Smith.

The women, along with many other people — including Halper's wife, Robin Halper, and Jenna's husband, Zach Smith— are crewing on the long-distance run.

"Emery's fight may be over but ours is just beginning," Jenna said. "Emery's Thunder Run is so important to me. Not just because of the potential funding for Neuroblastoma research and the increase in childhood cancer awareness, but the chance to be able to accomplish these things in honor of my daughter means everything to me."

Missy Smith said the Thunder Run is a grand undertaking that provides an outlet for the love the family has for Emery and all those who are currently in a battle with Neuroblastoma.

"Loving and losing a granddaughter to childhood cancer has changed the very core of who I am," she said. "Seeing Em fight cancer, fight to survive harsh treatments, and ultimately to lose her just seems so wrong. It bewilders and honestly angers me that in today's day and age that there are no treatments that could save her."

Jenna blogged in early June 2019 about Emery's passing just 18 months earlier.

"As the days continue on I can't say it gets easier. The loss doesn't sting less. The anger never goes away," she wrote. "When they talk about grief coming in waves it is so true. One day I'm doing great but all it takes is a smell, a piece of clothing that Em wore, a memory or a moment where her absence is painfully obvious and it all comes crashing down on me."

The Thunder Run is a way to push on.

"I am dedicated to bringing awareness to childhood cancer and to providing funding for research and for families with children that are currently fighting their own battles because I have been there," Jenna wrote. "I know what it is like to watch your child fight so very bravely but at such a disadvantage from the start. I also know what it is like to have no choice but to watch as your child takes their last breath."

If you would like to donate to the Thunder Run effort, click here.

See the full Thunder Run route and calendar here.

Keep up with Peter Halper on Facebook here.